Take 5: Tomo Campbell Painting, Alexander Girard, Japanese Towels + More

1. Promise (2024) by Tomo Campbell

After discovering a painting by British artist Tomo Campbell online a few years ago, I’ve found myself returning to his work time and again. So when an email from Cob Gallery announced Campbell’s participation in The Armory Show in New York City last week, showcasing a new piece entitled Promise (2024), I was immediately intrigued. This large-scale oil painting has a way of making me wish it hung on my wall, with its blend of abstraction and fleeting hints of recognizable forms, layered in vivid pastel tones. Campbell’s signature style shines through in the painting’s dynamic movement and depth, inviting endless interpretation of its ambiguity. With its delicate balance between chaos and control, Promise (2024) reveals something new every time you look at it.

2. Alexander Girard: Let the Sun In

As a longtime fan of Alexander Girard’s work, I’m excited about the release of Alexander Girard: Let the Sun In by Todd Oldham and Kiera Coffee (out October 15). This beautifully illustrated monograph celebrates Girard’s extraordinary contributions to mid-century design in a way that feels as vibrant and eclectic as his creations. Featuring over 800 images – many of them never before published – the book dives deep into Girard’s work across various disciplines, from his iconic Herman Miller textiles to his complete rebranding of Braniff International Airways with over a thousand unique assets. It also explores his innovative interior designs, such as the lively atmosphere of La Fonda del Sol restaurant in New York and the distinctive sunken conversation pit of the Miller House. Organized by discipline, Let the Sun In captures Girard’s love for color, pattern, and form, and is a must-own for anyone who admires his fearless approach to design. Todd Oldham’s extensive research and collaboration with Girard Studio bring to life the bold, playful spirit that made Girard a standout figure in American modernism.

3. Vintage Waffle Towels by Kontex

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for new towels, you know how sad that journey can be with only boring, basic options that half the people love and have the people loathe. One brand I’ve heard nothing but great things about is Kontex. Made in Japan using traditional weaving techniques, these organic cotton towels have a unique waffle texture that promises to be both soft and absorbent. The understated nature of their design – a blend of simplicity and sophistication – makes them effortlessly stylish, while their high-quality cotton ensures they’re built to last. They’re the kind of everyday luxury that just feels right and worth the splurge.

4. 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar

Advent calendar themes continue to expand year after year, especially after the growing trend of unboxing them on TikTok. While candy, jams, wine, and beauty products have been the most popular, I love seeing one that’s off the beaten path, like this one. After selling out in record time last year, Papier has brought back their iconic advent calendar that’s perfect for any stationery devotee you may know. The calendar is packed with 24 individually wrapped gifts, each a bespoke product that’s exclusive to this set. Valued at $250 but available for $175, it’s filled with a mix of mini bestsellers and delightful new surprises, like pens, notebooks, stickers, paper clips, bookmarks, notecards, and washi tape, all designed in London.

5. The “Flora” Edition Notebooks by Field Notes

As a notebook hoarder who uses them for just about everything, I swing between plain designs and maximalist ones to keep it interesting. I’ve used my fair share of notebooks from Field Notes, as they’re compact and fit easily in a pocket or bag, and was drawn to one of their releases this year – The “Flora” Edition. The three colorful designs come from Chicago artist and designer Emmy Star Brown as a pack of three in the 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ size, perfect for list making and reminders on the go.